A Call for a New Manifesto: Defending Humanity in an Age of Rising Extremism

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Abstract

In a world besieged by rising extremism, social fragmentation, and environmental crises, this manifesto issues a clarion call to reclaim human dignity and solidarity. It identifies authoritarianism, inequality, and institutional failure as critical threats to democratic values and sustainable development. Anchored in universal human rights and the principles of human security, the document urges a global recommitment to justice, equity, and inclusion. It champions a people-centered approach to governance, capacity-building, and economic systems, grounded in participation, empathy, and contextual relevance. Emphasizing the interconnectedness of human rights, sustainability, and well-being, it outlines systemic reforms across political, economic, and cultural domains. The manifesto highlights the urgent need for civic empowerment and holistic education to counter populist narratives. It calls for a renaissance of humanism rooted in respect, responsibility, and cooperation. Drawing from interdisciplinary research and participatory action, it offers actionable strategies for transformation.

In an age marked by growing changes and uncertainty, where the rapid pace of technological advancements coexists with social and political upheaval, humanity finds itself at a critical juncture. The forces that threaten our shared values—human rights, human security, and sustainability—are more aggressive and potent than ever before. Across the globe, authoritarian movements mostly rooted in far-right ideologies are gaining strength, fueled by fears, prejudices, and an increasing sense of social and economic instability. These movements not only erode the foundations of democracy and inclusivity, but they also pose an existential threat to the very principles upon which our societies have been built: justice, equality, and the sanctity of human life.

It is at this moment in history that we need to create a new manifesto—a unified, global declaration of principles that affirms a commitment to human rights, human security, and sustainable development in the face of these rising challenges. This manifesto must serve as a call to all people, especially those who value human dignity, to speak up, act decisively, and choose to be vocal in the fight for a world grounded in respect for individuals, communities and all the living life forms.

It must be a clarion call to reject the passivity of remaining spectators in a world increasingly divided by ideologies of hate and division. Now is the time to be courageous, to choose action over complacency, and to reclaim the future by prioritizing human-centered values in every facet of society.

1. The Rise of Authoritarianism and the Threat to Human Rights

Across the globe, far-right movements are experiencing a resurgence. Nationalism, xenophobia, populist rhetoric and fake news are on the rise, threatening the stability of democratic institutions and the social fabric of societies that have long prided themselves on their inclusivity and commitment to human rights. This shift is not isolated to one country or region but is a global phenomenon, with far-right ideologies infiltrating both established democracies and emerging political movements alike. What was once considered fringe is now becoming mainstream, leading to increasingly polarized societies, where intolerance and division are normalized, and the rights of minorities and marginalized communities are under constant attack.

This rise of extremism is not merely a political shift—it is a fundamental threat to the values that underpin modern human civilization. Human rights, which have been painstakingly developed over the last century through the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and various other international agreements, are being eroded. Freedoms of expression, assembly, and association are increasingly under threat, as populist leaders use fear and divisiveness to consolidate power. The idea of human security, which emphasizes the need to protect individuals from threats to their safety, dignity, and well-being, is being undermined by these movements. Instead of striving for global peace, cooperation, and sustainability, the focus is on nationalism, militarization, and the creation of “us versus them” mentalities that breed violence, exclusion, and inequality.

Rising extremism is one of the many expressions of the atmosphere of global turbulence that has been rising in recent decades and reached unprecedented scope and intensity since 2020. The extremism thrives in the growing uncertainty and insecurity generated by the unprecedented speed of global social evolution, the failure of essential institutions to keep pace with the requirements for rapid change, the resistance generated by entrenched powers clinging to privilege and traditional values and beliefs threatened by the democratization of forces and efforts to realize the universal human rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and endorsed by the commitment of 193 nations to implement the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of Agenda 2030. The rising levels of insecurity resulting from this multitude of forces provide fertile soil for retreat to the failed policies and practices of the past, rejected at the end of the Cold War. Insecurity creates vulnerability to the lure of fake news and false promises. Reaffirming the commitment to demand to uphold human rights and human security for all provides the only reliable foundation for reversing the retreat and relaunching transformative global social progress.

The time has come for those who aspire to a return to the very promising positive momentum generated at the end of the Cold War to come together and reaffirm the universal values that offer the sole reliable pathway for transition to a peaceful and prosperous human community. We must reject the authoritarianism creeping across the globe and insist on a vision for the future that places people at the center, protecting and promoting their human rights, security and sustainability as the goals and common denominator of all our actions.

A leader is somebody who leads, but that does not automatically bring positive results (Lasswell 1977). Even democratically elected leaders can be mentally ill and commit evil; Adolf Hitler is an eloquent example who rose to power during the turbulent insecurity of the post-World War I period and the Great Depression. Many leaders in history have been famous for their destructivity, cruelty and psychopathology. Le Bon, Fromm, Adorno, Lasswell, Reich and many others studied the Psychopathology of toxic, destructive leaders and the circumstances in which they rise to power, while Maslow, Rogers, Gordon, Bugental and others did research on the personality traits of healthy and effective leaders. (Reich, 1933; Lasswell, 1977).

2. The Need for a New Manifesto

In light of these mounting challenges, there is an urgent need for a new manifesto—a document that can inspire and unify people around the world to act in defense of the values that sustain our common humanity. This manifesto must articulate a clear, compelling vision for a future in which the dignity and rights of every person are defended and promoted, and where human security is not a privilege for the few but a right for all.

The manifesto must call on all individuals and organizations everywhere in all walks of life—regardless of nationality, race, religion, or political affiliation—to make an existential choice. We cannot afford to be passive spectators as the world around us deteriorates. To remain silent is a choice that has dire consequences. Each one of us must decide whether he or she will stand by, silent and complacent, or whether we will actively defend the rights and security of all people. We must choose to be vocal in affirming the human-centered values that have long been the bedrock of progress and equality.

This manifesto will also serve as a reminder that our values—justice, equality, sustainability—are not just aspirational ideals but necessary pillars for a future that is worth living. As the world faces unprecedented challenges, from social injustice, to climate change and global health crises to increasing social and political polarization, we must reorient our collective efforts toward solutions that prioritize human well-being over corporate interests, military might, and the exploitation of vulnerable populations.

3. A Human-Centered Process: Reaffirming Human Rights, Human Security, and Sustainability

This manifesto must recognize and address both the personal, individual and the social/institutional that need to be addressed in order to promote a people-centered future. The social dimensions must take into account the political, economic, technological, cultural and environmental factors impacting on human rights, human security and sustainability.

The heart of this new manifesto must lie in its commitment of individuals and the social collective to a person-centered approach to governance, policy, and societal development. This approach recognizes that human rights, human security, sustainability and development are not separate or isolated concerns but are inherently interconnected. Protecting human dignity and promoting the well-being of individuals should guide all decision-making processes, with a bio-psycho-social frame of reference and applied intersectorially, addressing at the same time in the realm of politics, economics, or environmental policy (Eade 1997; Human Rights Watch 2022, 2023, 2024; Institute for Economics and Peace 2021, 2022; UNESCO 2021; UNICEF 2021; United Nations 2015, 2022; United Nations Development Programme 2021, 2022; Jacobs et al. 2021, 2023; Iqbal et al. 2019; Jennings 2004).

Human Rights: The manifesto must reiterate the importance of human rights as the foundation for a just, equitable and prosperous society. Human rights are not privileges granted by governments—they are the inherent, inalienable entitlements of every individual, regardless of background, identity, or circumstance. The manifesto must advocate for the full protection of civil and political rights, including freedoms of speech, assembly, and the press, while also ensuring economic, social, and cultural rights, such as access to healthcare, education, and housing. In a world where authoritarian regimes and far-right movements threaten these rights, the manifesto must call for a renewed commitment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international frameworks that safeguard individual freedoms and dignity (Human Rights Watch 2022, 2023, 2024; Huggel et al. 2022).

Human Security: The concept of human security, which emphasizes protection from threats such as violence, poverty, disease, and environmental degradation, must be central to the manifesto. Human security goes beyond the traditional notion of state security and focuses on the well-being of individuals. It requires addressing the root causes of insecurity, including inequality, corruption, and environmental destruction. This means creating systems of governance that are transparent, accountable, and responsive to the needs of all people, particularly those who are most vulnerable. It also means ensuring that people’s voices are heard and their agency is respected, whether in the context of local governance or international relations. The year 2024 has been the hottest year on record with wildfires, drought, and storms wreaking havoc on millions of people in Bangladesh, Libya, and Canada and United States.

Unemployment and Inequality: Extremism thrives during the period of rising inequality and unemployment of the 1930s that provided fuel for the most destructive war in human history. Today, rising levels of economic inequality around the world are fueling a harsh backlash against the rights of women and girls and minorities in many places and revoking the acquired rights of minorities. (Human Rights Watch 2022, 2023, 2024). Rising levels of unemployment and job insecurity are a major cause of the extremism. The insecurity is spurred by economic, technological and social factors. It is the result of reduction in manufacturing jobs in the West due to imports from developing countries, especially China. It is spurred by advances in technology leading to the replacement of workers with computers and robots. And it is aggravated by the record inflow of immigrants seeking political refuge due to war and persecution, economic refugees seeking jobs, and environmental refugees seeking safety from natural disasters. Research in the USA has documented that the cost to society associated with unemployment resulting from medical expenses, mental illness, drug, crime, imprisonment, social unrest and extremism far exceed the costs of public employment programs such as India’s National Rural Employment Program. Extremism will persist unless and until employment is recognized as a fundamental human right protected and enforced by law, a practice applied temporarily in the USA during the Great Depression, which President Roosevelt wanted to make permanent after the war, but did not live long enough to secure it. Some combination of a fair minimum wage and other welfare programs, job guarantees—such as India’s National Rural Employment Program—and/or basic income programs, which are now being tested in several countries, are the best remedy for reducing economic insecurity.

People-centered Approaches: People-centered approaches facilitate people-centered processes where the development of the potentialities of people and communities are facilitated and promoted via actions of empowerment and responsibilization. People’s rights are prioritized with respect for the unique needs, preferences, and values of the individuals and communities, ensuring that they are actively involved in decision-making processes that affect their lives. This methodology is rooted in the belief that those directly impacted by decisions are best positioned to articulate their requirements and aspirations. There is a large body of research showing that it is more effective and cost/benefit effective than traditional approaches (United Nations 2015, 2022; United Nations Development Programme 2021, 2022; World Justice Project 2019; Zucconi and Rollè 2023).

In the realm of design and development, people-centered design involves immersing oneself in the experiences of specific user groups to co-create solutions that genuinely address their needs. Designers engage deeply with communities, tapping into their insights to identify real issues and develop appropriate interventions. This practice ensures that the end products or services are both relevant and effective for the intended users (United Nations 2015, 2019, 2022; UNDP 2021, 2022; World Justice Project 2019; WHO 2007, 2009, 2012, 2019, 2020; Sedra 2022; Kiniger-Passigli and Biondi 2015; Karlsrud 2015; Zucconi and Rollè 2023).

In the context of international development, people-centered development focuses on enhancing local communities’ self-reliance, social justice, and participatory decision-making. It recognizes that economic growth alone does not inherently lead to human development and calls for changes in social, political, and environmental practices. This approach emphasizes local ownership, equitable distribution of resources, and the empowerment of communities to define and pursue their development goals.

Overall, people-centered processes are characterized by a commitment to collaboration, respect, and empowerment, ensuring that interventions are tailored to the specific contexts and desires of the people and communities involved.

Sustainability: Finally, the manifesto must embrace the principle of sustainability as essential to the long-term survival and prosperity of humanity. This includes not only environmental sustainability but also social and economic sustainability. As we face the challenges of climate change, resource depletion, and environmental degradation, the manifesto must call for immediate and bold action to safeguard the planet for future generations. It must advocate for policies that prioritize renewable energy, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable agricultural practices. At the same time, sustainability must extend to the social and economic realms, ensuring that development is equitable, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of all people, especially those who have been historically marginalized.

4. People-Centered Capacity Building: A Holistic Approach to Sustainable Development

Capacity building is a crucial aspect of sustainable development, focusing on enhancing the skills, knowledge, and abilities of individuals, communities, and organizations. A people-centered approach to capacity building ensures that development efforts are tailored to the needs, aspirations, and unique circumstances of the individuals and communities they aim to serve. It is grounded in principles that prioritize human dignity, empowerment, participation, and sustainability. These principles ensure that capacity-building efforts are not only effective but also inclusive and sustainable over time:

• Empowerment and Participation: Individuals and communities should have active roles in shaping capacity-building initiatives. Their voices, experiences, and knowledge should be integral to the process (Chambers 1997).
• Context-Specific Strategies: Development strategies should be tailored to the cultural, economic, and social realities of the target community. One-size-fits-all approaches often fail to address unique local challenges (Sen 1999).
• Sustainability and Long-Term Impact: Capacity-building programs should focus on creating sustainable change by equipping people with the skills and resources necessary for long-term self-reliance rather than temporary solutions (UNDP 2009).

5. Significance of People-Centered Capacity Building

People-centered capacity building plays a vital role in promoting social and economic development. It strengthens individuals’ ability to engage in decision-making processes, fosters local ownership of development initiatives, and enhances the resilience of communities to socio-economic and environmental challenges.

• Strengthening Local Institutions: Capacity building helps local organizations and institutions develop effective governance structures and policies, enabling them to better serve their communities (Eade 1997).
• Enhancing Social Equity: By prioritizing marginalized and vulnerable populations, people-centered capacity building contributes to social justice and equitable access to resources and opportunities (Nussbaum 2000).
• Encouraging Innovation and Adaptability: When individuals and communities are empowered, they can innovate and adapt to changing circumstances, making development efforts more effective and responsive to local needs (Kabeer 1999).

6. Methodologies of People-Centered Capacity Building

There are several effective methodologies for implementing people-centered capacity building:

• Participatory Learning and Action (PLA): Engaging communities through participatory methods such as focus groups, community mapping, and experiential learning to identify challenges and co-create solutions (Chambers 2008).
• Training and Mentorship Programs: Providing technical skills, leadership training, and mentorship opportunities to individuals and organizations fosters self-sufficiency and professional growth (UNESCO 2016).
• Community-Led Development Initiatives: Encouraging local communities to take the lead in development projects ensures that interventions align with their priorities and existing knowledge systems (Narayan 2002).

People-centered Capacity Building is a transformative approach that places individuals and communities at the heart of development. By focusing on empowerment, participation, and sustainability, this approach fosters resilience, innovation, and equitable growth. As global challenges continue to evolve, adopting people-centered strategies will be essential in building sustainable and inclusive societies.

7. Uniting for a Humanistic Renaissance

The manifesto must also serve as a call for a new humanistic renaissance—a period of intellectual, cultural, and social rebirth in which human dignity, creativity, and collaboration facilitated by people-centered processes are celebrated as central to our collective future. This renaissance will not be born from the narrow, aggressive, exclusionary ideologies based on fake news of the far-right, but from the broad, inclusive ideals that affirm the interconnectedness of all people that are grounded in the science of sustainable human ecology. It will require the collective effort of individuals, organizations, communities, and nations to create a world in which justice, equality, and sustainability are not just aspirations but realized truths.

This humanistic renaissance is not a distant dream. It is a choice that each of us can make today and realize congruently in our daily lives. It is a call to unite—to work together across boundaries, borders, and differences to affirm our shared humanity grounded on effective relationships that combine respect, empathy and authenticity to realize personal and social health and wellbeing. Each person and organization has a role to play in this global movement. Whether through activism, education, advocacy, or simply by living according to these values in our daily lives, we can all contribute to social change and the creation of a world where human rights, human security, and sustainability are not just ideals, but a lived reality for all people (Jacobs et al. 2021, 2023; Institute for Economics & Peace 2022; Sedra, 2022).

8. The Time to Act is Now!

The rise of far-right movements and authoritarian ideologies presents an existential threat to the values that have long sustained humanity’s progress. But it also presents an opportunity—an opportunity to unite in defense of those values, to reaffirm our commitment to human rights, security, and sustainability, and to create a future that is grounded in human dignity and respect (Force for Good Report 2025; Hansmeyer and Patel 2023, 2024; Jacobs et al. 2021, 2023; IEO, 2022; Human Rights Watch 2022, 2023, 2024; Huggel et al. 2022; Institute for Economics & Peace 2022; Sedra, 2022; Iqbal et al. 2019; Hughes et al. 2017; Karlsrud 2015).

Now is the time to stand together. Now is the time to choose action over complacency, unity over division. This new manifesto is not just a document—it is a movement, a call to all who believe in a better world to rise up, speak out, act and connect with others who share similar values and concerns.

Let us begin the process of creating a new humanistic renaissance, one that will affirm our shared humanity and ensure a future where all people can live in peace, dignity, and security.

• Creating a People-Centered New Humanistic Renaissance Manifesto: A scientific approach involves integrating the principles of the sociology of knowledge and employing participatory action research (PAR) to ensure the manifesto reflects the socially constructed realities of diverse communities and facilitates meaningful change.
• Understanding the Social Construction of Reality: Understanding the social and psychological roots of extremism is essential for effectively addressing its causes. The sociology of knowledge, as articulated by Berger and Luckmann in “The Social Construction of Reality,” posits that our understanding of reality is shaped through social interactions and shared experiences. This perspective suggests that concepts, beliefs, and knowledge are not inherent but are developed collectively within societies. Recognizing this framework is crucial for creating a manifesto that resonates across different cultural and social contexts (Berger and Luckmann 1966).
• Understanding that hope is a scientifically sound reality: Research in Trauma informed care shows ample evidence that from trauma people can grow existentially and develop resilience (Calhoun and Tedeschi 1999; Tedeschi and Calhoun 2004, Zucconi and Rollè 2023).
• Realizing that the economic investment needed to build a people centered and sustainable future is possible and the feasibility has been carefully researched and demonstrated (Force for Good 2022, 2023, 2024; Hansmeyer and Patel 2023, 2024).
• Realizing that Catalytic Strategies for Conscious Social Transformation are available and have been carefully designed by eminent scientists. (Jacobs et al. 2021, 2023).

9. Conclusion

By grounding the development of a People-Centered New Humanism Manifesto in the principles of the sociology of knowledge and the people/person-centered approaches, and employing participatory action research, this process becomes a collaborative and dynamic endeavor. This approach ensures that the manifesto is not only reflective of diverse social realities but also serves as a catalyst for meaningful, community-driven change on a global scale.

The World Academy of Art and Science (WAAS) being the main facilitator of this worldwide project assumes a role of serving the needs of humanity, this is congruent with and the principles of the Russell Einstein Manifesto of 1955 which led to the founding of WAAS in 1960.

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